Seemor
AperiBarB+Worth Trying
LUMA Hotel Times Square, 120 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036
· Italian restaurant, Bar, Cocktail bar
· 4.8/5 Google (1049 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Well-executed Italian plates, good cocktails, and warm service in Times Square; food and service can be inconsistent, but value is solid for the location.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
AperiBar delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with strong food quality in pizzas and pastas, supported by attentive service and a pleasant, relaxed setting near Times Square. However, inconsistent execution and occasional service delays during pre-theater rushes prevent it from reaching higher territory. Fair pricing and genuine staff warmth make it competitive with respected local favorites, though it lacks the distinction of premier Midtown dining.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from Times Square, the room feels cozy and relaxed with a polished bar that punches above its weight. Staff come up often by name, with quotes like "they kept my phone safe" and "service was unpretentious." However, pockets of slow or inattentive service do appear, so timing matters. The cooking leans elevated-traditional Italian—pizzas and pastas with a few modern touches. Think spaghetti al limone, sausage pizza with balanced fennel, and a roasted chicken that regulars rave about. It suits pre-theater plans and bar bites just as well as a simple sit-down dinner; creativity is present but stays within comforting boundaries rather than showy fusion. Families do fine here, especially with pizza and simple pasta options. A group of twelve with two young kids was accommodated comfortably. There is no explicit kids menu on the current list, but Margherita pizza, pomodoro linguini, and mozzarella snacks are kid-friendly; adventurous dishes may suit older kids more.
At a Glance
- Friendly staff with standout bartenders and attentive servers by name
- Quality pizzas and solid pastas at fair Midtown prices
- Service can lag during pre-theater rush; occasional inattentiveness
- Flavor consistency varies (some bland or oversalted reports)
- None
What Sets It Apart
- times_square_refuge
- strong_bar_team
- pre_theater_ready
What People Love
- Warm, personable bartenders who customize drinks
- Roasted chicken and sausage pizza that exceed expectations
- A calm refuge steps from Times Square bustle
- Pre-theater convenience without touristy pricing shock
Points of Concern
- Service delays and missed check-ins at peak times
- Spaghetti al limone can read too lemon-forward for some
- One-off safety complaints (oysters off, cocktail-related illness) are isolated
- Review patterns show some polished language typical of hotel settings, but no strong manipulation signals
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Mozzarella di Bufala ($18) then share a pizza ($18-$22) and one pasta ($22-$26)
- Dessert: Olive oil torta ($11) or Gianduja ($10)
- Cocktails can run $16-$19; consider happy hour for value
Perfect For
- Pre-theater dinner with cocktails
- Casual date near Bryant Park
- Solo bite at the bar
- Group meet-up before a show
Location Insights
Area: Tourism-heavy block between Times Square and Bryant Park; business travelers and theatergoers mix with hotel guests.
Safety: High foot traffic, well-lit, active late; typical Midtown congestion but generally safe.
Nearby: Near Broadway theaters, Bryant Park, major hotels, 42 St transit hubs; strong pre/post-theater demand.
Theater DistrictThe Theater District is vibrant and lively, centered around Broadway theaters and Times Square. Dining options range from casual eateries to upscale restaurants catering to visitors before or after shows, with a mix of quick service and fine dining. The area is busy day and night, with a strong focus on entertainment and hospitality.
Times SquareTimes Square is the heart of the Theater District, famous for its bright billboards and constant pedestrian traffic. It is a high-energy environment with numerous chain restaurants, fast food outlets, and some unique dining experiences aimed at tourists and visitors seeking convenience and spectacle.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday15:00–23:00
Tuesday15:00–23:00
Wednesday15:00–23:00
Thursday15:00–00:00
Friday14:00–00:00
Saturday14:00–00:00
Sunday15:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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